Sounds of Sonic Gray
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Sounds of Sonic Gray
Jason Kui is one of Anderson Guitarworks honored Artists. Man, can this guy play—so, so good. But better than that, he is a super-nice guy who helps to make this world a better place (something we can all do). He recently ordered this Li’l Angel Player in the new color of Sonic Gray. What follows is an interview just after he played his first virtual concert—featuring his Sonic Gray, Li’l Angel Player.
TAGW: Your Sonic Gray, Li’l Angel Player has left the Anderson Guitarworks factory. Have you received it yet?
Jason Kui: Yes, it has arrived!
TAGW: And how do you like it?
Jason Kui: I Love it so much! The color combination is just stunning! The guitar is beautiful. I wasn’t completely sure if the gray, gold and white would work well together. Tom kind of teased me for choosing those crazy colors. But as soon as I opened the case I was struck with how gorgeous it turned out. So good.
Jason Kui: And, when I picked it up and strummed some chords, the guitar resonated like crazy. Undoubtedly, it sounded as good as my other Andersons.
TAGW: Is this your first Li’l Angel (short scale length Angel) that is not an Arc Angel?
Editor’s Note: An Arc Angel is simply a Li’l Angel that features all-Mahogany construction—both Mahogany body and neck back.
Jason Kui: No, actually it’s my 2nd Li’l Angel that’s not an Arc Angel. I went home with the Metallic Ice Bora Blue prototype that I saw at the Anderson shop back in January 2020.
TAGW: How do you like the short scale of the Li’l Angel guitar? Do you enjoy playing 24 frets and short scale (24 3/4-inch)?
Jason Kui: I have so many Angels, all kinds of Angels. But whenever I pick up a Li’l Angel and play a note I am instantly reminded why I love the short-scale. It’s much easier to play. There’s less tension though it keeps the punchiness—notes still bounce without getting mumbled.
Jason Kui: My music is guitar-oriented instrumental. I need those extra 2 frets and I bend the strings a lot, so short-scale really helps my fingers from getting worn-out, especially during long hours of rehearsal.
There are not many short-scale, 24-fret guitars on the market.
TAGW: How did you come to choose or create the brand new color of Sonic Gray for this guitar?
Jason Kui: I did not create it. Actually, it was Hunter who showed me the Sonic Gray sample. I’ve always liked Audi’s Nardo Grey. So, when I first saw Sonic Gray, “Wow!” That was it!
Editor’s Note: Hunter is a super-awesome person and one of the superlative painters/finishers at Anderson Guitarworks. We asked Hunter how he came up with Sonic Blue and he said Pat actually came up with the color while experimenting with Sonic Blue. Pat is another fantastic painter/finisher at Anderson Guitarworks who makes everything that he touches and everyone that he interacts with better.
TAGW: From the Angel family you chose a Li’l Angel Player with an Alder body. Did you select that body wood for a specific tone or do you enjoy the many different sounds you can get from the wide array of wood combinations offered?
Jason Kui: I usually choose certain wood combos for my Andersons. For example, I frequently choose a mahogany body with maple/rosewood neck and an alder body with maple neck and fingerboard.
I know what sound that will come from those woods. I am familiar with the characteristics of each wood and combo. I choose different sounds or tones depending on the musical mood.
TAGW: Do you have any pictures or video of you playing it?
Jason Kui: Yes!
TAGW: Tell us about the offset dots on the neck. That is new.
Jason Kui: The offset dots are super new. I am so pleased that Anderson could make it work. I think it’s very cool and modern looking. They help the guitarist see the fingerboard better. I’m so glad people can order the offset dots as an option now.
TAGW: And the combination of Gold Hardware and White highlights; do you see gold hardware becoming more popular again or do you just like it with this combination of colors?
Jason Kui: Gold hardware is problematic—it doesn’t look good with everything. But on this Sonic Gray finish with white pickup covers, it is outstanding. I did my homework on color matching before I ordered it.
TAGW: Do you name your guitars? Some players do and some do not. If so, what did you name your Sonic Gray?
Jason Kui: Not usually, but I have names for special guitars. My Supernatural Black Burst is named “Coco.” The Fire WakeSurf, Arc Angel is “Fire,” and Teal WakeSurf is the (infamous) “Kui-Blue.” I have named this Sonic Gray, Angel Player, “Grayby” (Gray—baby. Haha).
TAGW: Thanks so much for being the coolest and we hope you are enjoying your one-of-a-kind Sonic Gray, Li’l Angel Player.
Check out Jason’s latest album: NAKA
GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:
